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Embedded Computing Arm SoM

Arm System-on-Modules

Use a defined compute module for processor, memory and boot functions while the carrier board implements application-specific I/O, power entry, protection and mechanics.

Platform role
Reusable compute module
Form factors
OSM · SMARC · SODIMM · Qseven
Processor ecosystem
NXP · TI · Renesas · ST · MediaTek
Software
Linux BSPs · selected Android/RTOS
Module-based compute Custom carrier I/O Processor options BSP support Industrial options Lifecycle planning
Platform qualification: Platform qualification must confirm processor stepping, module pinout, carrier-board interface allocation, boot chain, BSP release, high-speed signal integrity, thermal solution, operating temperature and lifecycle before design freeze.
Module category Compute architecture Form factor Memory and storage Primary interfaces
Low-power module Single- or dual-core Cortex-A55 with Cortex-M class real-time core OSM Size-S/SF or compact B2B LPDDR4(X) · eMMC · QSPI Dual GbE · USB · CAN · display
AI and vision module Multi-core Arm processor with NPU or dedicated AI accelerator OSM or SMARC Scalable DDR/LPDDR · eMMC MIPI camera · PCIe · Ethernet · display
High-performance module Multi-core Cortex-A with GPU/NPU and real-time subsystem SMARC, Qseven or proprietary B2B LPDDR4/LPDDR5 · eMMC/UFS PCIe · USB 3.x · multi-display · high-speed Ethernet

Platform Capabilities

Arm System-on-Modules are suited to products that need application-specific I/O and mechanics while keeping the processor, memory and boot subsystem on a defined compute module.

Concentrated compute integration

Processor, memory, boot storage, power sequencing and high-speed interfaces are implemented on the module rather than repeated on each carrier design.

Application-focused carrier design

The carrier can concentrate on field I/O, connectors, power entry, protection and enclosure requirements.

Defined processor choices

Compatible module families may offer different performance, graphics, AI and real-time options within the limits of the selected form factor and pinout.

Supported software baseline

Available BSPs, bootloaders and drivers provide a starting point for application development and maintenance, subject to the selected module and software release.

Technical Features

The module contains the processor, memory, boot devices, clocks and power-management functions. The carrier board implements external I/O, protection, power entry, connectors and product-specific mechanics.

Prevalidated compute core

Processor, memory, boot storage, clocks and power sequencing are integrated and tested on the module.

Application-specific carrier

The carrier is optimised for field interfaces, connector placement, protection, input power and enclosure constraints.

Scalable processor choices

OSM, SMARC, SODIMM and Qseven portfolios span low-power control, graphics, AI and real-time processing needs.

High-speed interface breakout

PCIe, Ethernet, USB, display and camera interfaces are routed through standardised or high-density module connectors.

Software and security baseline

Linux BSPs, secure boot and processor security functions provide a defined software and update architecture.

Thermal and lifecycle planning

Heat spreaders, heat sinks and industrial-temperature options support long-life products when selected at project level.

Specifications

Technical parameters vary by module family. Compare processor, memory, module format, interface allocation, software support, thermal limits and lifecycle requirements.

Arm System-on-Modules technical specifications
Parameter Unit Value / Description
COMPUTE & MEMORY
Processor families — NXP, TI, Renesas, ST and MediaTek Arm application processors.
CPU architecture — Cortex-A application cores, frequently combined with Cortex-M/R real-time cores and optional GPU or NPU resources.
Module formats — OSM, SMARC, SODIMM, Qseven and proprietary high-density board-to-board modules.
System memory — DDR4, LPDDR4, LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 or LPDDR5X depending on processor and module.
Boot and storage — QSPI/OSPI flash, eMMC, EEPROM and optional UFS; removable or NVMe storage is normally implemented on the carrier.
INTERFACES & SOFTWARE
Networking — Gigabit Ethernet, TSN-capable Ethernet and higher-speed Ethernet on selected processors.
Expansion — PCIe, USB, SDIO, UART, SPI, I²C, CAN/CAN FD and GPIO, processor dependent.
Display and camera — MIPI DSI/CSI, LVDS, eDP, HDMI or DisplayPort, depending on the platform.
Wireless — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular interfaces may be integrated on the module or carrier.
Operating systems — Linux BSP support; Android and RTOS support are available on selected processor families.
Security — Secure boot and hardware security functions are processor dependent; discrete TPM support is carrier specific.
Form-factor compatibility — OSM, SMARC, SODIMM and Qseven are separate mechanical and electrical ecosystems; compatibility must be evaluated within the selected standard and module family.
DEPLOYMENT
Operating temperature °C Commercial, extended and industrial-temperature variants; exact limits are model specific.
Thermal solution — Heat spreader, heat sink or active cooling selected from processor power and ambient conditions.
Lifecycle — Product longevity, revision control and component availability should be confirmed for the selected module.

Applications

Arm modules support product families that need a stable application carrier, configurable compute performance and long-term software maintenance.

Industrial HMI

Support display, touch and field-interface designs while selecting processor and graphics capability for the equipment variant.

Edge AI and vision

Add camera interfaces and local acceleration while keeping the high-speed compute subsystem on the module.

Medical devices

Provide a defined compute and software architecture for diagnostic, monitoring and imaging products.

Automotive electronics

Support telematics, gateway and cockpit platforms using processor families with real-time and networking capabilities.

Robotics

Combine real-time control, machine vision and industrial networking on an application-specific carrier.

Connected equipment

Use a common module strategy across related machines while adapting application I/O and enclosure design.

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